Ruiz is a first generation Mexican-American musician born and based in Houston, Tx. Primarily touring with 4 time Grammy winning Latin group La Mafia, he has played in a variety of musical platforms many of which provided the opportunity to perform with a great cast of local and touring musicians. He has been a longtime member of La Mafia for 20 years and has garnered 3 Grammys which include 8 Grammy nominations.

Through a non-profit called The Houston Jazz Collective he works curate and manage The Houston Jazz Festival. He also books and manages local jazz groups for corporate and private events as well as provides music for fine restaurants such as Fig & Olive, Hugo’s, Caracol and Xochi.

At his home studio (Omni-Fi), many of the musicians he works with have played with artists such as Jason Mraz, Stevie Wonder, Sheryl Crow, The Duke Ellington Orchestra, Al Jarreau, George Duke, Beyonce Knowles & Santana. During his career and during his musical education he also has had the opportunity to play with jazz and pop musicians that include but are not limited to Frank Lacy, Kermit Ruffins (Rebirth Brass Band), Chris “Daddy” Dave (D’Angelo, Maxwell, Adele), Mike Moreno, Brandon Lee, Shelley Carrol, Mark Simmons (Al Jarreau, George Duke), Billy Joe Shaver & Flaco Jimenez, Fausto Cuevas (Stevie Wonder, J Lo), Karl Perazzo & Andy Vargas (of Santana).